U.S. patent application number 16/182139 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for charging reservation server and charging reservation method for electrically powered vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hideo HASEGAWA, Munehiro KAMIYA, Shinji KURACHI, Satoru SAKUMA, Tomoya SHIMIZU, Shuhei YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20190139161 16/182139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66327431 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190139161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAKUMA; Satoru ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
CHARGING RESERVATION SERVER AND CHARGING RESERVATION METHOD FOR
ELECTRICALLY POWERED VEHICLE
Abstract
A charging reservation system includes a quota manager
configured to manage allocation of a charging reservation quota
defined by a charging location and a charging time zone in
accordance with information transmitted from each of a plurality of
vehicles. When a vehicle requests allocation of a reservation quota
in a state where the reservation quota is allocated to a vehicle,
the quota manager inquires of a user of the vehicle as to whether
the user of the vehicle can agree to transfer the reservation quota
or not. Then, when the user of the vehicle agrees to transfer the
reservation quota, the quota manager allocates the reservation
quota to the vehicle. The vehicle pays a charging point as an
allocation reception fee for receiving allocation of the
reservation quota. The vehicle obtains a charging point as an
allocation transfer fee by transferring the reservation quota.
Inventors: |
SAKUMA; Satoru;
(Nagakute-shi, JP) ; YAMAMOTO; Shuhei; (Aichi-gun,
JP) ; KAMIYA; Munehiro; (Anjo-shi, JP) ;
HASEGAWA; Hideo; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ; KURACHI;
Shinji; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ; SHIMIZU; Tomoya;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Toyota-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Toyota-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
66327431 |
Appl. No.: |
16/182139 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/0057 20130101;
B60L 53/665 20190201; G06Q 20/127 20130101; G07F 15/005 20130101;
G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 50/06 20130101; G06Q 20/145 20130101;
B60L 53/11 20190201; G06Q 10/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 50/06 20060101
G06Q050/06; B60L 11/18 20060101 B60L011/18; G06Q 10/02 20060101
G06Q010/02; G06Q 20/10 20060101 G06Q020/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2017 |
JP |
2017-215514 |
Claims
1. A charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle, the charging reservation server being configured to make a
charging reservation for a plurality of vehicles each including a
power storage device configured to be charged with electric power
supplied from outside each of the plurality of vehicles, the
charging reservation server comprising a quota manager configured
to: manage allocation of a charging reservation quota defined by a
charging location and a charging time zone in accordance with
information transmitted from each of the plurality of vehicles, the
plurality of vehicles including a first vehicle and a second
vehicle; and when the first vehicle requests allocation of a
reservation quota in a state where the reservation quota is
allocated to the second vehicle, allocate the reservation quota to
the first vehicle on conditions that a user of the second vehicle
agrees to transfer the reservation quota, and a user of the first
vehicle pays an allocation reception fee for receiving allocation
of the reservation quota, wherein the user of the second vehicle
obtains an allocation transfer fee by transferring the reservation
quota.
2. The charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the quota manager is
configured to present the allocation reception fee to the user of
the first vehicle when the first vehicle requests allocation of the
reservation quota, and inquire of the user of the second vehicle,
when the user of the first vehicle agrees to pay the allocation
reception fee, as to whether the user of the second vehicle can
agree to transfer the reservation quota or not.
3. The charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the quota manager is
configured to present the allocation transfer fee to the user of
the second vehicle when the quota manager inquires of the user of
the second vehicle as to whether the user of the second vehicle can
agree to transfer the reservation quota or not, and allocate the
reservation quota to the first vehicle when the user of the second
vehicle agrees to the allocation transfer fee.
4. The charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the quota manager is
configured to present the allocation transfer fee to the user of
the second vehicle when the first vehicle requests allocation of
the reservation quota, and inquire of the user of the first
vehicle, when the user of the second vehicle agrees to transfer the
reservation quota with the allocation transfer fee, as to whether
the user of the first vehicle can pay the allocation transfer fee
or not.
5. The charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the allocation reception fee
is set to be higher as urgency for charging of the power storage
device mounted in the first vehicle is higher.
6. The charging reservation server for an electrically powered
vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of vehicles
further include a third vehicle, and the quota manager is
configured to, when the first vehicle and the third vehicle request
allocation of the reservation quota, allocate the reservation quota
to one of the first vehicle and the third vehicle that pays a
higher allocation reception fee.
7. A charging reservation method for an electrically powered
vehicle, the charging reservation method being executed for making
a charging reservation for a plurality of vehicles each including a
power storage device configured to be charged with electric power
supplied from outside each of the plurality of vehicles, the
plurality of vehicles including a first vehicle and a second
vehicle, a charging reservation quota being defined by a charging
location and a charging time zone, the charging reservation method
comprising: when the first vehicle requests allocation of a
reservation quota in a state where the reservation quota is
allocated to the second vehicle, causing a server to allocate the
reservation quota to the first vehicle on conditions that a user of
the second vehicle agrees to transfer the reservation quota, and a
user of the first vehicle pays an allocation reception fee for
receiving allocation of the reservation quota; and providing the
user of the second vehicle with an allocation transfer fee by
transferring the reservation quota.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent
Application No. 2017-215514 filed on Nov. 8, 2017 with the Japan
Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a charging reservation
server and a charging reservation method each for an electrically
powered vehicle, and more particularly to a charging reservation
technique for an electrically powered vehicle including a power
storage device configured to be charged with electric power
supplied from outside the electrically powered vehicle.
Description of the Background Art
[0003] As a vehicle including a power storage device configured to
be charged with electric power supplied from outside the vehicle,
there are an electric vehicle (EV) and a plug-in hybrid vehicle
(PHV) that have begun to widely spread. Such charging will be
hereinafter also referred to as "external charging".
[0004] The number of electrically powered vehicles configured to be
externally charged is expected to further increase in the years to
come. Accordingly, the number of charging stations (also referred
to as a charging stand, a charging spot, and the like) may become
chronically insufficient. This leads to fears that there may be an
increase in number of lines of vehicles waiting for utilization of
the charging station or there may be an electrically powered
vehicle that stops on a road due to running out of electricity
because an opportunity for charging in a charging station is lost.
Thus, a technique for efficiently utilizing a charging station is
demanded.
[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2012-190407
discloses a technique for allocating a charging station
preferentially to a vehicle that needs to be charged, based on
information such as the state of charge (SOC) of the vehicle and
the distance to a charging station.
SUMMARY
[0006] In consideration of the necessity for efficient utilization
of a charging station, the present inventors have conceived to
construct the mechanism by which users give and receive their
"charging reservation quotas" to and from one another. The
"charging reservation quota" is defined by the charging location of
the charging station and the charging time zone in the charging
station. A quota manager configured to manage a charging
reservation quota in a charging reservation server of the
electrically powered vehicle serves to intermediate the negotiation
for transfer of the charging reservation quota between the
vehicles. A more specific example will be described below.
Specifically, when the quota manager receives an allocation request
for a charging reservation quota from a vehicle (which will be
referred to as an "object vehicle") through wireless communication,
but when the requested charging reservation quota has already been
allocated to another vehicle, the quota manager inquires of this
another vehicle through wireless communication as to whether
another vehicle can agree to transfer the charging reservation
quota or not. In response to this inquiry, when the quota manager
receives a reply from another vehicle that this another vehicle can
agree to transfer the charging reservation quota, the quota manager
allocates the charging reservation quota to the object vehicle. In
this way, the charging reservation quota can be transferred from
another vehicle to the object vehicle.
[0007] In order to allow well-functioning of the give-and-take
mechanism for a charging reservation quota, the balance between
supply and demand for charging reservation quotas needs to be
achieved to some extent. However, for example, there may actually
be a situation where transfer of a charging reservation quota is
requested even though charging is relatively less urgent or
selection of the charging time zone can be flexible. This may lead
to an excessive demand for a charging reservation quota.
[0008] On the other hand, for the user of the vehicle having an
already reserved charging reservation quota, this user may be
inquired as to whether the user can agree to transfer the charging
reservation quota or not. However, it may take time and effort for
the user to change the reservation to another charging station,
another charging time zone or the like. Accordingly, it is also
conceivable that the user of the vehicle having an already reserved
charging reservation quota may also feel resistance to agree to
transfer the charging reservation quota. As a result, supply of the
charging reservation quota may be excessively reduced.
[0009] In this way, when the supply and demand for charging
reservation quotas are not well balanced, the give-and-take
mechanism for charging reservation quotas may not successfully
function. As a result, allocation of the charging reservation quota
may not be able to be smoothly changed.
[0010] The present disclosure has been made to solve the
above-described problems. An object of the present disclosure is to
provide a technique by which allocation of a charging reservation
quota can be smoothly changed in accordance with a charging
reservation server and a charging reservation method each for an
electrically powered vehicle configured to be externally
charged.
[0011] (1) A charging reservation server for an electrically
powered vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure is
configured to make a charging reservation for a plurality of
vehicles each including a power storage device configured to be
charged with electric power supplied from outside each of the
plurality of vehicles. The charging reservation server for an
electrically powered vehicle includes a quota manager configured to
manage allocation of a charging reservation quota defined by a
charging location and a charging time zone in accordance with
information transmitted from each of the plurality of vehicles. The
plurality of electrically powered vehicles include a first vehicle
and a second vehicle. When the first vehicle requests allocation of
a reservation quota in a state where the reservation quota is
allocated to the second vehicle, the quota manager is configured to
allocate the reservation quota to the first vehicle on conditions
that a user of the second vehicle agrees to transfer the
reservation quota and a user of the first vehicle pays an
allocation reception fee for receiving allocation of the
reservation quota. The user of the second vehicle obtains an
allocation transfer fee by transferring the reservation quota.
[0012] (2) The quota manager is configured to present the
allocation reception fee to the user of the first vehicle when the
first vehicle requests allocation of the reservation quota, and
inquire of the user of the second vehicle, when the user of the
first vehicle agrees to pay the allocation reception fee, as to
whether the user of the second vehicle can agree to transfer the
reservation quota or not.
[0013] (3) The quota manager is configured to present the
allocation transfer fee to the user of the second vehicle when the
quota manager inquires of the user of the second vehicle as to
whether the user of the second vehicle can agree to transfer the
reservation quota or not, and allocate the reservation quota to the
first vehicle when the user of the second vehicle agrees to the
allocation transfer fee.
[0014] (4) The quota manager is configured to present the
allocation transfer fee to the user of the second vehicle when the
first vehicle requests allocation of the reservation quota, and
inquire of the user of the first vehicle, when the user of the
second vehicle agrees to transfer the reservation quota with the
allocation transfer fee, as to whether the user of the first
vehicle can pay the allocation transfer fee or not.
[0015] According to the configurations described in the above (1)
to (4), when the user of the first vehicle who requests allocation
of the charging reservation quota agrees to pay the fee for
receiving allocation of the charging reservation quota (when the
user consumes a charging point (described later)), the server
allocates the reservation quota. Thereby, the charging reservation
quota can be allocated to the user of the vehicle that actually
requires the charging reservation quota. Also, the second vehicle
that serves to transfer its charging reservation quota can receive
the allocation transfer fee. Thus, if the second vehicle can afford
to reserve another charging reservation quota, for example, because
the SOC of the power storage device still remains to some extent,
the second vehicle may be motivated to agree to transfer the
charging reservation quota. Accordingly, as compared with the case
where it is inquired as to whether the user can agree or not to
transfer the charging reservation quota with no fee, the user of
the second vehicle is more likely to agree to transfer the charging
reservation quota. Therefore, allocation of the charging
reservation quota can be smoothly changed.
[0016] (5) The allocation reception fee is set to be higher as
urgency for charging of the power storage device mounted in the
first vehicle is higher.
[0017] According to the configuration described in the above (5),
the allocation reception fee is set to be higher as urgency for
charging of the power storage device in the first vehicle is
higher. For example, the allocation reception fee is set to be
higher as the SOC of the power storage device is lower at the time
when charging of the first vehicle is requested. Alternatively,
when the first vehicle is a vehicle not including an engine as a
driving force source (EV), the allocation reception fee is set to
be higher than when the first vehicle is a vehicle including an
engine (PHV). By setting the allocation reception fee in this way,
the operator of the charging reservation server can obtain more
profits, for example, when introducing the mechanism by which the
operator of the charging reservation server intermediates transfer
of a charging reservation quota to thereby obtain profits (obtain a
part of the allocation reception fee).
[0018] (6) The plurality of vehicles further include a third
vehicle. The quota manager is configured to, when the first vehicle
and the third vehicle request allocation of the reservation quota,
allocate the reservation quota to one of the first vehicle and the
third vehicle that pays a higher allocation reception fee.
[0019] According to the configuration described in the above (6),
when the first vehicle and the third vehicle request allocation of
the same reservation quota, the reservation quota is allocated to
one of the first vehicle and the third vehicle that indicates its
intention to pay a higher allocation reception fee. In other words,
an auction of the reservation quota is carried out. In this way,
the reservation quota can be allocated to the vehicle that more
strongly desires to receive allocation of the reservation quota
(for example, the vehicle with higher urgency of external charging
for user's convenience).
[0020] (7) A charging reservation method for an electrically
powered vehicle according to another aspect of the present
disclosure is executed for making a charging reservation for a
plurality of vehicles each including a power storage device
configured to be charged with electric power supplied from outside
each of the plurality of vehicles. The plurality of vehicles
include a first vehicle and a second vehicle. A charging
reservation quota is defined by a charging location and a charging
time zone. The charging reservation method for an electrically
powered vehicle includes: the first step of, when the first vehicle
requests allocation of a reservation quota in a state where the
reservation quota is allocated to the second vehicle, causing a
server to allocate the reservation quota to the first vehicle on
conditions that a user of the second vehicle agrees to transfer the
reservation quota and a user of the first vehicle pays an
allocation reception fee for receiving allocation of the
reservation quota; and the second step of providing the user of the
second vehicle with an allocation transfer fee by transferring the
reservation quota.
[0021] According to the method described in the above (7),
allocation of the charging reservation quota can be changed
smoothly as in the configuration described in the above (1).
[0022] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present disclosure when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the entire
configuration of a charging reservation system according to the
present embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration
of a vehicle.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of traveling
conditions of the vehicle.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a
reservation list showing a charging reservation state.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating the required amount of
a charging point.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of an intermediating process in
the first embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the intermediating process
in a modification of the first embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the intermediating process
in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be hereinafter
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which the same or corresponding components are designated by the
same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be
repeated.
First Embodiment
[0032] <Entire Configuration of Charging Reservation
System>
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the entire
configuration of a charging reservation system according to the
present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in this charging
reservation system, a charging reservation server 10 manages the
charging reservation quota of a charging station 5 for a plurality
of vehicles including vehicles 1 to 4. Although FIG. 1 shows only
one charging station 5, the charging reservation quotas of further
more charging stations (for example, charging stations A to C,
which will be described later) are managed.
[0034] Each of vehicles 1 to 4 is an electric vehicle (EV), for
example. However, each of vehicles 1 to 4 only has to be chargeable
from outside (externally chargeable), and may be a plug-in hybrid
vehicle (PHV). FIG. 1 shows only four vehicles 1 to 4 for
preventing complicated illustration, but the number of vehicles is
not particularly limited. Charging reservation server 10 manages
allocation of the charging reservation quotas to further more
vehicles in an actual case.
[0035] Charging reservation server 10 is configured to communicate
with each of the plurality of vehicles including vehicles 1 to 4
through a base station 7 provided over a communication network 6.
Also, charging reservation server 10 is configured to communicate
with each of a plurality of charging stations including charging
station 5 through communication network 6 and base station 7.
Charging reservation server 10 may be configured to communicate
with a mobile terminal 8 (for example, a smartphone) of a user.
[0036] Charging reservation server 10 includes a quota manager 11,
a map information database 12, a vehicle information database 13, a
charging information database 14, and a communication device
15.
[0037] Map information database 12 stores road map information and
also stores location information about the charging station.
Vehicle information database 13 stores the information showing the
status of use of each vehicle, the location information about each
vehicle, and the like. Charging information database 14 stores the
information about the charging reservation quota defined by the
identification number of the charging station and the charging time
zone in the charging station. The details of the information stored
in charging information database 14 will be specifically described
later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Communication device 15
allows bidirectional communication between quota manager 11 and
communication network 6.
[0038] Quota manager 11 is configured to include a central
processing unit (CPU), a memory (a read only memory (ROM), a random
access memory (RAM) and the like), an input/output port through
which various signals are input/output, and the like, which are not
shown. Various control by quota manager 11 is performed by software
processing, that is, by the CPU reading the program stored in the
memory. Control by quota manager 11 can be implemented also by a
general-purpose server (not shown) executing the program stored in
a storage medium. It is to be noted that control by quota manager
11 is not limited to software processing, but may be processed by
dedicated hardware (an electronic circuit).
[0039] For example, when vehicle 1 requests a charging reservation
quota, quota manager 11 selects an appropriate charging reservation
quota that meets the conditions from among the charging reservation
quotas of the plurality of charging stations, and then allocates
the selected appropriate charging reservation quota to vehicle 1.
The request for the charging reservation quota, the allocated
charging reservation quota and the like may be conveyed through
communication between quota manager 11 and vehicle 1, or may be
conveyed through communication between quota manager 11 and mobile
terminal 8 of the user.
[0040] <Vehicle Configuration>
[0041] Since vehicles 1 to 4 basically have a common configuration,
the configuration of vehicle 1 will be representatively hereinafter
described.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration
of vehicle 1. Referring to FIG. 2, vehicle 1 includes a power
storage device 20, a system main relay (SMR) 21, a power control
unit (PCU) 22, a motor generator (MG) 23, a power transmission gear
24, a driving wheel 25, and an electronic control unit (ECU)
100.
[0043] Power storage device 20 is a rechargeable direct-current
(DC) power supply, and configured to include a secondary battery
such as a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride
battery. As power storage device 20, capacitors such as an electric
double layer capacitor can also be employed. Power storage device
20 supplies, to PCU 22, electric power for generating driving force
for traveling of vehicle 1. Furthermore, power storage device 20 is
charged with electric power generated by regenerative braking of
motor generator 23 or charged with electric power supplied from
outside the vehicle.
[0044] SMR 21 is electrically connected between power storage
device 20 and PCU 22. SMR 21 is controlled to be closed/opened
according to the command from ECU 100.
[0045] PCU 22 performs power conversion between power storage
device 20 and motor generator 23 according to the command from ECU
100. PCU 22 is configured to include an inverter (not shown)
configured to receive electric power from power storage device 20
to drive motor generator 23, a converter (not shown) configured to
adjust the level of the DC voltage supplied to the inverter, and
the like.
[0046] Motor generator 23 is an alternating-current (AC) electric
motor, which is, for example, a permanent-magnet type synchronous
electric motor having a rotor incorporating a permanent magnet.
Motor generator 23 is driven by the inverter included in PCU 22 to
rotate the drive shaft (not shown). The torque output from motor
generator 23 is transmitted to driving wheel 25 through power
transmission gear 24, thereby driving vehicle 1 to travel.
Furthermore, during braking of the vehicle, motor generator 23
receives the rotating force of each driving wheel to generate
electric power. The electric power generated by motor generator 23
is stored in power storage device 20 through PCU 22.
[0047] Vehicle 1 further includes a charging relay 26, a power
conversion device 27 and an inlet 28 each as a configuration for
external charging. During external charging of power storage device
20, a charging connector 32 of charging cable 31 is coupled to
inlet 28. Then, the electric power supplied from a charger or the
like provided in charging station 5 is supplied to vehicle 1
through charging cable 31.
[0048] Charging relay 26 is electrically connected between power
storage device 20 and power conversion device 27. Charging relay 26
is closed and SMR 21 is closed to thereby allow power transfer
between inlet 28 and power storage device 20.
[0049] Power conversion device 27 is electrically connected between
charging relay 26 and inlet 28. According to the command from ECU
100, power conversion device 27 converts the electric power
supplied from the charger or the like into electric power with
which power storage device 20 can be charged. In addition, power
conversion device 27 can also convert the electric power from power
storage device 20 into electric power that can be output to the
outside of the vehicle.
[0050] Vehicle 1 further includes a navigation device 40 and a
wireless communication device 50 as the configuration for grasping
the traveling conditions of vehicle 1 and for communicating with
the outside of the vehicle.
[0051] Navigation device 40 includes a GPS receiver 41 configured
to specify the current location of vehicle 1 based on radio waves
from artificial satellites. Navigation device 40 performs various
types of navigation processes for vehicle 1 using the location
information about the current location of vehicle 1 specified by
GPS receiver 41 (GPS information). More specifically, based on the
GPS information about vehicle 1 and the road map data stored in the
memory (not shown), navigation device 40 calculates a traveling
route (expected traveling route or target route) from the current
location of vehicle 1 to its destination, and outputs the
information about the traveling route to ECU 100.
[0052] Navigation device 40 further includes a touch panel-equipped
display 42. Touch panel-equipped display 42 is configured to
display the current location of vehicle 1 overlaid on the road map,
and to display the information transmitted from quota manager 11 to
vehicle 1 or the information from ECU 100. Furthermore, touch
panel-equipped display 42 receives various operations performed by
the user. In addition, navigation device 40 may be configured to
output audio and to be operated through voice.
[0053] Wireless communication device 50 includes a long term
evolution (LTE) communication module 51 and a short range
communication module 52. LTE communication module 51 is configured
to allow bidirectional data communication with base station 7 in
communication network 6. Short range communication module 52 is
configured to allow bidirectional data communication with mobile
terminal 8 of the user who is located at a short distance (for
example, about several meters to several tens of meters) from
vehicle 1.
[0054] ECU 100 is configured to include a central processing unit
(CPU) 101, a memory 102, an input/output port (not shown) through
which various signals are input/output, and the like. ECU 100
controls each of devices (SMR 21, PCU 22, charging relay 26, power
conversion device 27, and the like) in vehicle 1 such that vehicle
1 is brought into a desired state. Furthermore, ECU 100 transmits
and receives various pieces of information (location information
about vehicle 1 and the like) to and from quota manager 11 through
wireless communication device 50 (LTE communication module 51). In
addition, mobile terminal 8 also can communicate with quota manager
11 through wireless communication device 50 (LTE communication
module 51 and short range communication module 52).
[0055] <Intermediation of Transfer of Charging Reservation
Quota>
[0056] The number of electrically powered vehicles each configured
to be externally charged like vehicle 1 is expected to increase in
the years to come. Accordingly, the number of charging stations may
become chronically insufficient. This leads to fears that there may
be an increase in number of lines of vehicles waiting for
utilization of the charging station or there may be an electrically
powered vehicle that stops on a road due to running out of
electricity (electricity is exhausted in power storage device 20)
because an opportunity for charging in a charging station is lost.
Thus, a technique for efficiently utilizing a charging station is
demanded.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the traveling
conditions of vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3, an explanation will be given with regard to the situation
where the SOC of power storage device 20 in vehicle 1 lowers during
traveling of vehicle 1, so that vehicle 1 requests a "charging
reservation quota". The charging reservation quota means a
reservation for external charging, which is defined by the location
of the charging station (charging location) and the charging time
zone.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that three charging
stations A to C exist on an expected traveling route (or in the
vicinity of the expected traveling route) from the current location
of vehicle 1 to the destination thereof. Charging stations A to C
are located in increasing order of distance from the current
location of vehicle 1.
[0059] When vehicle 1 travels toward charging station A, the
arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station A is in a time zone
T1. However, it is assumed that the charging reservation quota for
charging station A in time zone T1 has already been allocated to
vehicle 2.
[0060] When vehicle 1 travels toward charging station B, the
arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station B is in a time zone
T2. However, it is assumed that the charging reservation quota for
charging station B in time zone T2 has already been allocated to
vehicle 3.
[0061] When vehicle 1 travels toward charging station C, the
arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station C is in a time zone
T3. However, it is assumed that the charging reservation quota for
charging station C in time zone T3 has already been allocated to
vehicle 4.
[0062] Under such a situation, the present inventors have conceived
to construct the mechanism by which the charging reservation quota
is given and received between vehicle 1 and one of vehicles 2 to 4.
In charging reservation server 10, quota manager 11 wirelessly
communicates with each vehicle, to intermediate negotiations for
transfer of a charging reservation quota between vehicle 1 and one
of vehicles 2 to 4. In the following, this process will be referred
to as an "intermediating process" and will be described in
detail.
[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a
reservation list showing a charging reservation state. In the
example shown in FIG. 4, the charging reservation quota is defined
by three charging stations A to C and three time zones T1 to T3.
Such the reservation list is stored in charging information
database 14.
[0064] In FIG. 4, "reserved" indicates a charging reservation quota
that has already been reserved by one of the vehicles. Also,
"available" indicates a charging reservation quota that is vacant.
An image as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on touch panel-equipped
display 42 of navigation device 40 mounted in vehicle 1.
[0065] The arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station A is in
time zone T1. Accordingly, in order for vehicle 1 to be externally
charged in charging station A, (i) the charging reservation quota
of vehicle 2 needs to be transferred to vehicle 1, (ii) the
charging reservation quota of another vehicle (not shown) in time
zone T2 needs to be transferred to vehicle 1, and then, vehicle 1
needs to wait until time zone T2, or (iii) vehicle 1 needs to wait
until time zone T3.
[0066] The arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station B is in
time zone T2. Accordingly, in order for vehicle 1 to be externally
charged in charging station B, (i) the charging reservation quota
of vehicle 3 in time zone T2 needs to be transferred to vehicle 1,
or (ii) the charging reservation quota of another vehicle (not
shown) in time zone T3 needs to be transferred to vehicle 1, and
then, vehicle 1 needs to wait until time zone T3.
[0067] The arrival time of vehicle 1 at charging station C is in
time zone T3. Accordingly, in order for vehicle 1 to be externally
charged in charging station C, the charging reservation quota of
vehicle 4 in time zone T3 needs to be transferred to vehicle 1.
[0068] In the situation as described above, the user of vehicle 1
operates touch panel-equipped display 42 (which may be mobile
terminal 8) of navigation device 40 to select the user's desired
charging reservation quota. In the following example, it is assumed
that the user of vehicle 1 desires the charging reservation quota
for charging station A in time zone T1, which is reserved by the
user of vehicle 2 (which will be referred to as a charging
reservation quota K). Vehicles 1 and 2 correspond to the "first
vehicle" and the "second vehicle", respectively, according to the
present disclosure.
[0069] Vehicle 1 sends a request for charging reservation quota K
to quota manager 11 through wireless communication. When quota
manager 11 receives a signal from vehicle 1 indicating that
charging reservation quota K is requested, quota manager 11
determines whether charging reservation quota K has already been
reserved or not. In the example shown in FIG. 4, since charging
reservation quota K has already been reserved by vehicle 2, quota
manager 11 inquires of vehicle 2 through wireless communication as
to whether vehicle 2 can agree to transfer charging reservation
quota K or not. When quota manager 11 receives a reply from vehicle
2 through wireless communication stating that vehicle 2 can agree
to transfer charging reservation quota K, quota manager 11 performs
the process to change allocation of charging reservation quota K
from vehicle 2 to vehicle 1.
[0070] In order to allow well-functioning of the give-and-take
mechanism for charging reservation quotas as described above, the
supply and demand for charging reservation quotas need to be
balanced to some extent. When the supply and demand for charging
reservation quotas are not well balanced, the give-and-take
mechanism for charging reservation quotas may not successfully
function. Consequently, allocation of the charging reservation
quota may not be able to be smoothly changed.
[0071] Thus, the first embodiment employs the configuration in
which a charging point is used as compensation for transfer and
reception of a charging reservation quota. In the example shown in
FIG. 4, vehicle 1 (or the user of vehicle 1) requesting allocation
of a charging reservation quota pays a charging point. On the other
hand, vehicle 2 (or the user of vehicle 2) that transfers its
charging reservation quota receives a charging point.
[0072] By introducing the above-described mechanism, an excessive
request from the user who desires to receive allocation of a
charging reservation quota (for example, the request with low
necessity) is suppressed. Furthermore, the user who has a charging
reservation quota is also motivated to agree to transfer the user's
charging reservation quota when this user receives an inquiry from
quota manager 11 as to whether the user can agree to transfer the
user's charging reservation quota or not. In other words, if the
user transfers the charging reservation quota and receives a
charging point at this time, the user will be able to desire to
receive a charging reservation quota from another user by consuming
the received charging point when the user subsequently requires
external charging for some reason.
[0073] <Charging Point>
[0074] The charging point may be equally set, but the charging
point is desirable to be set at a value in accordance with the
situation of the vehicle that requires to receive allocation of a
charging reservation quota, as will be described below.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating the required amount of
the charging point. FIG. 5 shows charging points that are paid by
the user of vehicle 1 who desires to receive allocation of a
charging reservation quota (an "allocation reception fee" according
to the present disclosure).
[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, by way of example, the charging point
can be set in each time zone in accordance with the requested
amount (demanded amount) of the charging reservation quota that the
user desires to receive. For example, it is considered that, in the
daytime zone, external charging of the vehicle is often required at
the location where the user is away from home, so that the user
often requests allocation of a charging reservation quota. On the
other hand, for example, in the midnight time zone, external
charging of the vehicle is often performed at the user's home and
the like, so that the user relatively less often requests
allocation of a charging reservation quota. Accordingly, the
charging point in the daytime zone is set to be higher than the
charging point in the midnight time zone.
[0077] As another example, the charging point can be set at
different values in accordance with the time zone width (the number
of candidates) in which the user desires to receive allocation of a
charging reservation quota. By way of example, in the case where
the user designates the time zone of the user's desired charging
reservation quota with pinpoint accuracy (for example, in the case
where the user designates time zone T1 that is the closest), the
charging point is set to be higher than the case where the user
designates the wider time zone width (for example, in the case
where the user designate that either time zone T1 or time zone T2
may be acceptable).
[0078] Furthermore, the charging point can be set at different
values also in accordance with the number of candidates for the
charging station for which the user desires to receive allocation
of a charging reservation quota. By way of example, in the case
where the user designates the location in the vicinity of the
current location, for example, as the charging location for which
the user desires to receive allocation of a charging reservation
quota (for example, in the case where the user designates only the
inside area of the range including charging station A), the
charging point is set to be higher than the case where the user
designates the wider charging location (in the case where the user
designates that the range of charging station B that is located
away from the current location may also be acceptable).
[0079] The charger provided in the charging station has a plurality
of charging standards. When a charger with relatively high charging
capability (the amount of electricity that can be supplied per unit
time) (that is, a charger accommodating quick charging) is used,
the charging time can be reduced and the greater amount of
electricity can be supplied in a certain time period, as compared
with the case where a charger with relatively low charging
capability (that is, a charger accommodating normal charging) is
used. Accordingly, in the case where the charging station
accommodating quick charging is designated, the charging point is
set to be higher than the case where the charging station
accommodating normal charging is designated.
[0080] Furthermore, the charging point may be set in accordance
with the SOC of power storage device 20. As the SOC of power
storage device 20 is lower, the necessity for external charging
becomes higher, so that the charging point is set to be higher. By
setting the charging point in this way, the user is motivated to
perform external charging in an early stage at the time when the
SOC of power storage device 20 does not excessively lowers (for
example, at the time when the SOC is not close to 0%). As a result,
the number of vehicles that stop on a road due to running out of
electricity can be reduced.
[0081] A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) includes an engine as a
driving force source in addition to a motor generator. Thus, the
plug-in hybrid vehicle is assumed to be lower in urgency of
external charging than an electric vehicle (EV) including only a
motor generator as a driving force source. Accordingly, the
charging point is set to be higher for an electric vehicle than for
a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
[0082] In this way, in consideration of various factors shown in
FIG. 5, the charging point paid from vehicle 1 is set to be higher
as the urgency of external charging is higher. For example, by
preparing a list of combinations (a matrix that is not shown) of
the above-mentioned factors that are weighted, the charging point
can be calculated according to this matrix.
[0083] FIG. 5 shows each charging point paid by (the user of)
vehicle 1 that desires to receive allocation of a charging
reservation quota. The charging point received by (the user of)
vehicle 2 that agrees to transfer a charging reservation quota may
be the same as the charging point paid by vehicle 1. Furthermore,
separately from the matrix of the charging point paid by vehicle 1,
the matrix (not shown) used for calculating the charging point that
is to be received by vehicle 2 may be prepared. According to this
prepared matrix, vehicle 2 may receive the charging point that is
different from the charging point paid by vehicle 1. Alternatively,
the charging point to be received by vehicle 2 may be uniformly set
independently of the conditions for vehicle 1.
[0084] <Intermediating Process Sequence>
[0085] The intermediating process is implemented by exchanging
various pieces of information (signals) among vehicle 1, vehicle 2
and charging reservation server 10. Thus, the details of the
intermediating process will be hereinafter described with reference
to a sequence diagram.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of an intermediating process in
the first embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the sequence process
(indicated by SQ) performed by vehicle 1 (more specifically, ECU
100 of vehicle 1), quota manager 11 and vehicle 2 (more
specifically, ECU 100 of vehicle 2) sequentially from left to right
in the figure.
[0087] In SQ121, vehicle 2 reserves a charging reservation quota
according to the user's operation performed through navigation
device 40 or mobile terminal 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 4,
the charging reservation quota for charging station A in time zone
T1 is reserved.
[0088] In SQ111, vehicle 1 generates a charging request according
to the user's operation performed through navigation device 40 or
mobile terminal 8. This charging request is a notification to quota
manager 11 for notifying that vehicle 1 needs to be externally
charged. In addition to the charging request, vehicle 1 transmits,
to quota manager 11, the location information about the current
location of vehicle 1, the location information about the
destination of vehicle 1, and the SOC information about power
storage device 20. The above-mentioned information may be
transmitted to quota manager 11 periodically (for example, in each
prescribed cycle) by the sequence process (not shown) different
from the present sequence process.
[0089] In SQ112, vehicle 1 transmits the user's desired conditions
for a charging reservation quota to quota manager 11. For example,
in the example shown in FIG. 5, the conditions about the designated
width of the charging time zone, the area of the designated region
of the charging location, the type of the charging standards, and
the like (conditions shown in FIG. 5) are transmitted from vehicle
1 to quota manager 11. These desired conditions may be defined in
accordance with the user's operation each time a charging request
is generated, or may be registered by the operation performed by
the user in advance.
[0090] In addition, the charging request in SQ111 may be generated
automatically (that is, without the user's operation), which may be
triggered when the SOC of power storage device 20 falls below a
prescribed reference value. In this case, in SQ112, the desired
conditions registered by the operation performed by the user in
advance are transmitted to quota manager 11.
[0091] In SQ101, based on the desired conditions transmitted from
vehicle 1 in SQ112, quota manager 11 extracts at least one of
candidates for charging reservation quotas that is to be presented
to vehicle 1. For example, candidates for charging reservation
quotas as showed in FIG. 4 are extracted.
[0092] In SQ102, quota manager 11 calculates a charging point
required for selecting each of the candidates having already been
reserved by other vehicles (the charging point consumed when a
charging reservation quota is allocated to each of the candidates)
from among the candidates for the charging reservation quotas
extracted in SQ101. For calculating the charging point, it is
desirable that various factors as described with reference to FIG.
5 are taken into consideration, though the detailed explanation
thereof will not be repeated. The information about the candidate
for the charging reservation quota extracted in the process of
SQ101 and the information about the required charging point
calculated in the process of SQ102 are transmitted to vehicle
1.
[0093] When vehicle 1 receives information from quota manager 11,
vehicle 1 selects one of the charging reservation quotas according
to the operation performed by the user through navigation device 40
or mobile terminal 8 (SQ113). In this case, it is assumed that the
charging reservation quota reserved by vehicle 2 in the process of
SQ121 is selected. The allocation request for this charging
reservation quota from vehicle 1 is transmitted to quota manager
11. Quota manager 11 inquires of vehicle 2 as to whether vehicle 2
can agree to transfer its charging reservation quota or not, while
presenting the information about the charging point that is to be
given to vehicle 2 when vehicle 2 agrees to transfer its charging
reservation quota.
[0094] The user of vehicle 2 determines whether the user of vehicle
2 can agree or not to transfer the charging reservation quota that
is requested to be allocated. When the user of vehicle 2 agrees to
transfer the charging reservation quota by an operation performed
through navigation device 40 or mobile terminal 8, an agreement
notification is transmitted from vehicle 2 to quota manager 11
(SQ122).
[0095] Although not shown, when vehicle 2 does not agree to
transfer its charging reservation quota, vehicle 1 is notified of
this decision made by vehicle 2. Then, vehicle 1 selects another
charging reservation quota (that is, selects the second choice).
Subsequently, the same process is to be repeated until another
vehicle agrees to transfer its charging reservation quota.
[0096] When quota manager 11 receives the agreement notification,
quota manager 11 changes allocation of the charging reservation
quota from vehicle 2 to vehicle 1 (SQ103). Then, quota manager 11
notifies of vehicles 1 and 2 that the allocation changing procedure
has been completed. Then, quota manager 11 receives a charging
point from vehicle 1 and gives a charging point to vehicle 2. In
other words, vehicle 1 consumes a charging point while vehicle 2
obtains a charging point (SQ114 and SQ123).
[0097] As described above, in charging reservation server 10
according to the present embodiment, quota manager 11 intermediates
a negotiation for transfer of a charging reservation quota between
vehicles (between vehicle 1 and vehicle 2 in the above-described
example). Quota manager 11 presents a required charging point to
vehicle 1 that requests allocation of a charging reservation quota.
Thereby, vehicle 1 requests allocation of a charging quota only
when vehicle 1 can consume its charging point (that is, when
vehicle 1 actually requires allocation of a charging reservation
quota).
[0098] Furthermore, when quota manager 11 inquires of vehicle 2 as
to whether vehicle 2 can agree to transfer its charging reservation
quota or not, quota manager 11 presents also the charging point
that can be given to vehicle 2. Thereby, vehicle 2 is motivated to
agree to transfer its charging reservation quota requested from
vehicle 1 when vehicle 2 can afford to reserve another charging
reservation quota, for example, because the SOC of power storage
device 20 in vehicle 2 still remains to some extent. As a result,
according to charging reservation server 10 in the present
embodiment, allocation of the charging reservation quota can be
smoothly changed.
Modification of First Embodiment
[0099] In the sequence diagram (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment, an
explanation has been given with reference to an example of the
configuration in which the information about the charging point
calculated by quota manager 11 is first transmitted to vehicle 1
(see SQ102). Then, the user of vehicle 1 selects one of the
charging reservation quotas, and the user of vehicle 2 is inquired
as to whether the user of vehicle 2 can agree to transfer the
selected charging reservation quota or not (see SQ113 and SQ122).
However, as will be described below, each of the users of the
plurality of vehicles including vehicle 2 may be first inquired as
to whether there is any charging reservation quota or not that can
be transferred. Then, when there is a charging reservation quota
that can be transferred, this charging reservation quota may be
presented to the user of vehicle 1.
[0100] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the intermediating process
in a modification of the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7,
since a series of processes up to the process of SQ202 performed by
quota manager 11 is the same as the series of processes up to the
process of SQ102 in the first embodiment, the description thereof
will not be repeated. FIG. 7 shows only vehicle 2 due to
limitations of space, but vehicle 3 is also assumed to have a
charging reservation quota extracted in the process of SQ201.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, quota manager 11 inquires of each of
the users of vehicles 2 and 3 having charging reservation quotas as
to whether each of the users of vehicles 2 and 3 can agree to
transfer the charging reservation quotas or not. In this case, it
is preferable to transmit also the information about the charging
point that can be given to each user when each user agrees to
transfer the charging reservation quota.
[0102] Each of the users of vehicles 2 and 3 determines whether
each of the users of vehicles 2 and 3 can agree to transfer the
charging reservation quota or not. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that
the user of vehicle 2 agrees to transfer the charging reservation
quota by an operation performed through navigation device 40 or
mobile terminal 8 (SQ222). Then, an agreement notification is
transmitted from vehicle 2 to quota manager 11.
[0103] Quota manager 11 transmits, to vehicle 1, the information
about the charging reservation quota agreed by vehicle 2 together
with the information about the charging point required to receive
allocation of the charging reservation quota. Then, it is
determined whether the user of vehicle 1 desires or not to receive
allocation of the charging reservation quota agreed by vehicle 2.
If the user of vehicle 1 desires to receive allocation of the
charging reservation quota by an operation performed through
navigation device 40 or mobile terminal 8, an allocation request is
transmitted from vehicle 1 to quota manager 11 (SQ213). Since the
subsequent processes are the same as those in SQ103 and later in
the embodiment, the detailed description thereof will not be
repeated.
[0104] Also by the modification of the first embodiment as
described above, transfer of a charging reservation quota is
implemented with the help of the charging point as in the first
embodiment. Thus, allocation of the charging reservation quota can
be smoothly changed.
[0105] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, when the charging
reservation quota is first selected by vehicle 1, but when transfer
of the selected charging reservation quota is not agreed by the
user of another vehicle (vehicle 2 or the like), the process of
selecting a charging reservation quota by the user of vehicle 1 is
to be repeated. On the other hand, according to the modification of
the first embodiment, the charging reservation quota for which a
transfer agreement has been achieved in advance is presented to the
user of vehicle 1. Thus, the repeated operation of selecting a
charging reservation quota is suppressed. Accordingly, the
convenience of the user of vehicle 1 can be improved.
Second Embodiment
[0106] In the second embodiment, an explanation will be given with
regard to the configuration in which, when a plurality of vehicles
request allocation of the same charging reservation quota (when the
same charging reservation quota is desired), the charging
reservation quota is allocated to a vehicle that pays the highest
charging point, and more specifically, the configuration in which
an auction of a charging reservation quota is carried out.
[0107] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the intermediating process
in the second embodiment. This sequence diagram shows the sequence
process performed by vehicle 1A, vehicle 1B and quota manager 11
sequentially from left to right in the figure. Vehicles 1A and 1B
each serve to request allocation of a charging reservation quota.
In addition, the process performed in vehicle 2 that already has a
charging reservation quota is basically the same as the
corresponding process in the first embodiment, and therefore, not
shown in FIG. 8 due to limitations of space. Vehicles 1A and 1B
correspond to the "first vehicle" and the "third vehicle" according
to the present disclosure.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, first, vehicle 1A generates a charging
request. Then, together with this charging request (and the
location information about the current location of vehicle 1A, and
the like), the desired conditions for the user of vehicle 1A about
the charging reservation quota are transmitted to quota manager 11
(SQ311, SQ312).
[0109] As in vehicle 1B, together with the charging request, the
desired conditions for the user of vehicle 1B about the charging
reservation quota are similarly transmitted to quota manager 11
(SQ321, SQ322).
[0110] In SQ301, based on various pieces of information and the
desired conditions transmitted from vehicle 1A, quota manager 11
extracts a candidate for the charging reservation quota that is to
be presented to the user of vehicle 1A. Furthermore, based on
various pieces of information and the desired conditions that are
transmitted from vehicle 1B, quota manager 11 extracts a candidate
for the charging reservation quota that is to be presented to the
user of vehicle 1B. In this case, it is assumed that the same
candidate for the charging reservation quota (charging reservation
quota K) is presented to the users of vehicles 1A and 1B.
[0111] In SQ313, in vehicle 1A, the user operates navigation device
40 or mobile terminal 8 to input a charging point that can be paid
by the user for receiving allocation of charging reservation quota
K presented by quota manager 11. In other words, in vehicle 1A,
bidding for charging reservation quota K is made. The signal from
vehicle 1A that shows a charging point (that is, a bidding price)
is transmitted to quota manager 11.
[0112] Also in vehicle 1B, bidding for charging reservation quota K
is similarly made (SQ323). The signal from vehicle 1B that shows a
charging point (a bidding price) is also transmitted to quota
manager 11.
[0113] Quota manager 11 inquires of the user of vehicle 2 as to
whether the user of vehicle 2 can agree or not to transfer charging
reservation quota K that is a candidate for bidding (not shown).
Then, when quota manager 11 obtains a transfer agreement from the
user of vehicle 2, quota manager 11 determines in SQ302 that
bidding for charging reservation quota K has been won by the
vehicle proposing a higher charging point (vehicle 1B in the
example shown in FIG. 8). Then, quota manager 11 allocates charging
reservation quota K to vehicle 1B (SQ303). The charging point of
vehicle 1B is consumed accordingly.
[0114] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when
vehicles 1 and 2 request allocation of the same charging
reservation quota K, charging reservation quota K is allocated to
vehicle 1B of the user who indicates his/her intention to pay a
higher charging point. In other words, an auction of charging
reservation quota K is carried out. In this way, charging
reservation quota K can be allocated to a vehicle that more
strongly desires to receive allocation of a charging reservation
quota (for example, the vehicle with higher urgency of external
charging for the user's convenience).
[0115] Furthermore, in the mechanism in which the vehicle that
serves to transfer its charging reservation quota (vehicle 2 in the
example described above) receives a point in accordance with the
charging point paid by the vehicle that receives allocation of the
charging reservation quota (vehicle 1B in the example described
above) (for example, in the case where the paid charging point=the
received charging point), an auction is carried out, so that the
vehicle that transfers its charging reservation quota can receive a
higher charging point. Accordingly, the motivation to transfer a
charging reservation quota can be further enhanced.
[0116] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to introduce a mechanism
in which quota manager 11 receives a part of the charging point
paid from the vehicle that receives allocation of a charging
reservation quota (or a mechanism in which the operator of quota
manager 11 sells a charging point to a vehicle, thereby obtaining a
profit). In such a case, by carrying out an auction, the operator
of quota manager 11 can obtain more profits.
[0117] Although the present disclosure has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the scope of the present disclosure being
interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *